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Post by redge on Oct 21, 2015 9:18:42 GMT
Hi everyone
I'm new here but have long held an interest in East Asian instruments. The Guzheng has resonated with me the most and I'm keen to try it out and have some lessons. I live in London UK and unfortunately I am experiencing great difficulty in finding any teachers. I have tried to contact Qing Du but have had no response so I was hoping someone here might be able to help me out?
Any help will be greatly appreciated - thank you
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Post by edcat7 on Oct 21, 2015 11:34:00 GMT
Hi redge and welcome. There are guzheng teachers in London. If you click on the home page and then click on the guzheng section, there is a "recent" post from a London guzheng teacher. She has left contact details.
The UK Chinese traditional scene is very small and they all know each other. My erhu/dizi/yangqin teacher's wife had a few guzheng lessons from a lady based around Docklands. I suspect it's the same lady who posted once here.
Best wishes
Ed.
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Post by redge on Oct 21, 2015 11:37:30 GMT
Thanks Ed Unfortunately that is the lady I have already tried to contact with no response Hopefully she will get back to me eventually otherwise I will have to go self-taught Kind Regards
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Post by edcat7 on Oct 21, 2015 11:38:23 GMT
Oh I see what you mean about Qing Du. If you still have no luck I'll ask my teacher next week. Alternatively contact Dr Cheng Yu at UK Traditional Chinese Music Ensemble.
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Post by redge on Oct 21, 2015 11:57:04 GMT
Haha Cheng Yu has also not replied...starting to wonder if it's not meant to be
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Post by davidmdahl on Oct 21, 2015 17:28:18 GMT
There can be several things that explain the delay in responding to you. In my experience, some traditional musicians don't use email or forums as a primary means of communication, so sometimes replies are not as quick as you would hope. Sometimes people get busy or travel, and that can delay a response. I have sometimes checked my spam folder and found legitimate emails from friends who were trying to reach me.
I noticed a phone number in Qing Du's post. Did you try that? For many of us, emails are convenient and less stressful than calling on the phone. When that does not work, using the phone or personal contact may be the best approach. Watch and search out the media for Chinese music events. These are often sponsored by Chinese cultural organizations and schools, and can be a good opportunity to find a teacher.
Good luck.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by redge on Oct 22, 2015 9:22:20 GMT
Thank you David. I work in a digital job so I think I'm overly accustomed to everyone checking emails several times a day! Funnily enough Cheng Yu replied to me right after I read your message.
I'm thinking of giving the Guqin a try first now as it seems a bit less intimidating to learn and I quite like the deeper tones and harmonics it creates. DO you have any thoughts on whether or not this is a wise decision?
Kind Regards - Rob
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Post by edcat7 on Oct 22, 2015 10:57:11 GMT
Cheng Yu is one of the UK's foremost guqin player, she teaches at SOAS. I would imagine she charges more than Qing Du but if you live nearer to Cheng Yu in Pinner, after the cost of travelling, the total cost would be about the same.
I'm neither a guqin or guzheng player but my understanding is that although the instruments look similar they are in fact two different instruments and the guzheng is the easier to play of the two.
(In a previous life as a postie I used to deliver her address)
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Post by davidmdahl on Oct 22, 2015 16:00:16 GMT
<snip> I'm thinking of giving the Guqin a try first now as it seems a bit less intimidating to learn and I quite like the deeper tones and harmonics it creates. DO you have any thoughts on whether or not this is a wise decision? Kind Regards - Rob Hello Rob, I chose guzheng over guqin, but it was a close thing. The guqin is a wonderful instrument with an amazing power of profound expression, with some of the best in Chinese music. In reality, there is no "easy" instrument, and for instruments such as guzheng, erhu, guqin, violin, and piano to start with, you can spend a lifetime and not learn all there is to know. Some instruments do have a steeper learning curve at the beginning. I think that the best approach is to go with what you love, and stick with it. There will be periods during study of an instrument when progress is rapid, and other times when you are at a plateau that never seems to end. It helps if you take pleasure in every small accomplishment. For an adult it is a challenge to study an instrument, since there are so many responsibilities to take up our time and energy. It is very important though to reserve some time every day to practice at least something, some small bit of what you are trying to learn. If you miss a day or two here and there, no harm done, but as exercising, the best progress comes from consistency. There is a lot more to practicing effectively, but a good teacher will help you to learn that. There are not many places in the world where you can study with a guqin teacher, let alone a good or great one. If you have a heart for guqin, and an opportunity to learn, go for it! Best wishes, David
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